The long lifespan of cast iron along with the growing demand for second-hand instead of new makes vintage cast iron a common find in the antique market. The value of antique cast iron skillets can start at similar to new prices, but a super rare Wagner or Griswold can fetch up to $1,500 apiece.
It's scrap value is negligible but folks in the know prefer antique cast iron to buying new. Cast iron is made by pouring molten iron into a sand mold. After cooling, the sand is broken away, it's cleaned, de-burred, and coated in oil so it won't oxidize in shipping.
Cast Iron – $0.02-0.35 per lb.
Cast iron is totally recyclable. Since iron is the main component of steel, you should refrain from throwing it away. Your used cast iron appliances can be melted down and crafted into something brand new, and you can even get money for it!
The Saturday Early Show's Collectibles Expert Tony Hyman says some collectors will pay a heavy price for your old pans. One of the most surprising valuables around your home may be cast-iron cookware. Worth from $15 to $1,500, this is stuff you rarely want to sell at a yard sale.
Condition. When considering the value of vintage iron, the condition is key. Mint, like-new condition is ideal and is the most valuable. Rusted pans may be less valuable, but they can still be restored to their former glory and retain some value.
The global cast iron cookware market size was estimated at USD 5.08 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2024 to 2030.
Scrap metals we accept for recycling
All grades of iron are accepted, including rolled steel joists, heavy iron, and light iron; shredded and purified for reuse. Commonly found in containers and appliances, as well as industrial machinery, we'll take all grades of cast iron.
What is the range of iron scrap prices? Today, iron prices sit in a range trending around $. 04 per pound or $92 per ton.
You'll get best results by cooking moist, acidic foods like applesauce, chili, tomato sauce, stew, and scrambled eggs. As a rough rule of thumb, one cup of these foods will gain about six to eight milligrams of iron after being cooked in cast iron cookware.
Wapak cast iron might be lesser known compared to the Griswold and Wagner brands, but it is just as collectible. The most sought after Wapak cast iron are the pans with the “Indian head" medallion on them, which was produced from 1903-1926. The rarest and most collectible is the #4 skillet--until recently.
Cast Iron Scrap Price as of 4/14/2021: $0.42/lb.
For example, clawfoot and cast iron tubs are great sources of scrap metal and companies will potentially pay you more for your bathtub depending on the materials you have on hand. So before you resell your old bathtub, understand the maximum value you have on hand.
Common cast iron: Common cast iron pieces, like every day skillets, waffle irons, dutch ovens, etc... are usually more expensive for three reasons: 1. Age 2. Look 3. Availability.
Scrap Mart Metals will pay good hard cash at top dollar for your cast iron cast offs, and you get them out of your way.
Items rich in metals like copper, aluminum, brass, and steel are often more lucrative to scrap.
Expect the Steel Scrap Producer Price Index to rise in 2025 due in part to increased demand stemming from expected lower interest rates, an easing in quantitative tightening, stable to improving consumer finances, and a resulting improvement in overall industrial sector and macroeconomic trends.
Ferrous metals, such as steel and cast iron, generally fetch lower prices at the scrapyard due to iron being so common and difficult to refine. Non-ferrous metals, on the other hand, are less common, more malleable and greatly resistant to corrosion.
Cast iron bathtubs are much heavier than your average bathtub. With some weighing over 200kg.
Recycle With Scrap Metal
Stoves are typically made of steel or cast iron. If you are willing and able to safely move the stove yourself, most scrap metal recyclers will pay for stoves. Find out how to dispose of scrap metal.
Robert says a quick way to determine if the pan is early or pre-20th century is to look for a gate mark on the bottom side. “A gate mark looks like a slash and was a by-product of older iron casting methods,” he explains.
Selling old cast iron items can be a profitable venture, whether you're dealing with antique cookware, radiators, or scrap metal. These items often hold significant value due to their durability and historical appeal.
The main difference between iron cookware and cast iron cookware is that it is composed of smelting iron with metal alloys. In contrast, the former is composed only of iron and contains no alloys.